Brucellosis: obstacles to the vaccination of bovine and buffalo females in the Baixada Maranhense region

Abstract

Objective: to identify obstacles to the vaccination of bovine and buffalo calves against brucellosis in of Matinha city, Maranhão, Brazil. Methods: interviews were carried out using a script composed of four blocks of questions: i) socioeconomic characteristics; ii) knowledge about proof of vaccination; iii) cattle owners' knowledge of the norms for vaccinating calves against brucellosis; and iv) preferences for participation in health guidelines. Results: it was found that most respondents are over 50 years old (62%), with incomplete primary school (32%) and family income of up to 01 minimum wage (66%). Less than half (48%) knew about the mandatory application of the vaccine against brucellosis. Conclusion: the biggest obstacle for the vaccination of calves against brucellosis in Matinha is the lack of knowledge of the breeders in relation to the disease, to understand the importance of vaccination in the control and prevention of the disease.